The Commissioner’s Task Force, West Zone, busted an interstate gang illegally importing and selling banned e-cigarettes and foreign cigarettes in the city.

Acting on a tip-off, six persons were arrested and e-cigarettes worth Rs 25 lakh were seized. The accused were identified as Abdullah Shetty (42, Mumbai - supplier), Mohd Tajuddin (38, Mehdipatnam - coordinator), Mohd Sami (34, Chota Bazaar - wholesaler), Mohd Sohail Khan (22, Golconda - retailer), Khaleel Ahmed (41, Kurnool - manpower supplier), and Mayank Bise (25, Indore - worker).

The police seized 680 boxes of Platinum Seven Cool Cigarettes and Elfbar Moon Night 40,000 Puffs Vapes. Sohail Khan was first caught in MLA Colony, Banjara Hills, with e-cigarettes. His confession led to the arrest of Sami, who named Abdullah Shetty as the main supplier. Shetty, who operated from a hotel in Lakdikapool during visits to Hyderabad, was later apprehended along with other members.

Further investigation revealed that Shetty had links with a Dubai-based supplier, Martin and received contraband through his associates. The gang sold these products illegally in Telangana, where e-cigarettes are banned, evading commercial taxes and earning unlawful profits.